Updated: Public school spring break cancelled in New York, according to multiple media outlets

Multiple media outlets reported earlier this week Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Education Department have ordered school districts across the state to cancel planned spring breaks and continue remote education.

In an email sent late Wednesday night, Pelham Schools Superintendent Dr. Cheryl Champ acknowledged the changes ordered by the state, saying that the schools would move to a “modified approach to learning activities next week that will allow students to catch up on work as well as engage in continued learning activities.” She furthered this, explaining that “Teachers will continue to be available to respond to email questions throughout the week, but will not hold live sessions.”

As recently as March 29, Dr. Champ continued to reference spring break in her daily update emails to students and parents in the district, and reported at the recent Board of Education meeting that final guidance from the state came down the morning of April 1st.

“This news likely will come as a disappointment to many who were hoping for a respite and release from the daily family pressures, and as a relief to others who were looking forward to keeping children engaged in learning activities,” noted Champ in her email. “We also recognize that many students and staff will be involved in religious observances next week. ”

The education department circulated a memo to districts on Monday saying, “Districts must continue to provide remote instruction for students, lunches for students and child care for essential workers every weekday between April 1, 2020 and April 14, 2020, even if the district is scheduled to be on spring break during that time,” according to the New York Post.

Per the New York Post, United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew acknowledged issues with this change. “And I know that many of you are upset and you feel that it isn’t fair,” he said in the Post. But he reminded teachers that they are among those working on the front lines in the pandemic.

School district spokesman Alex Wolff has yet to reply to an email request for comment.